Definition and Branches of Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Involves observation, experimentation, and validation of hypotheses.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences
   • Study of the physical world (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
2. Social Sciences
   • Study of human behavior and societies (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Economics).
3. Formal Sciences
   • Study of abstract concepts (e.g., Mathematics, Logic, Computer Science).
4. Applied Sciences
   • Application of scientific knowledge to practical problems (e.g., Engineering, Medicine).

Scientific Method

1. Observation
   • Gathering information and identifying a phenomenon.
2. Question
   • Formulating a specific question based on observations.
3. Hypothesis
   • Proposing an explanation or prediction.
4. Experimentation
   • Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
5. Analysis
   • Interpreting data and results from experiments.
6. Conclusion
   • Drawing conclusions and determining if the hypothesis is supported.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
• Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes an aspect of the world.
• Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment; includes independent, dependent, and controlled variables.

Importance of Science

• Drives technological advancements and innovation.
• Provides understanding of natural phenomena and informs policy decisions.
• Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ethics in Science

• Importance of integrity and honesty in research.
• Consideration of the impact of scientific work on society and the environment.
• Adherence to ethical standards and guidelines in experimentation and data reporting.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic enterprise focused on building and organizing knowledge.
• It involves processes such as observation, experimentation, and validation of hypotheses.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Explore the physical world, including fields like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Social Sciences: Examine human behavior and societal dynamics, encompassing disciplines like Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.
• Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract concepts and theories, represented through fields such as Mathematics, Logic, and Computer Science.
• Applied Sciences: Utilize scientific principles to solve practical issues in areas like Engineering and Medicine.

Scientific Method

• Observation: The initial step of gathering information and identifying a phenomenon.
• Question: The next phase involves formulating specific questions based on observations.
• Hypothesis: Development of a proposed explanation or prediction for the identified phenomenon.
• Experimentation: Involves testing the hypothesis through controlled experimental methods.
• Analysis: Interpretation of data and results collected from experiments.
• Conclusion: Drawing conclusions to determine if the hypothesis is supported by the experimental data.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: Represents a thoroughly substantiated explanation of aspects within the natural world.
• Law: A statement derived from repeated experimental observations that describes a consistent aspect of nature.
• Variable: Refers to any factor that can be altered in an experiment, categorized as independent, dependent, or controlled variables.

Importance of Science

• Drives innovations and advancements in technology.
• Enhances comprehension of natural phenomena, informing public policy and decision-making.
• Fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Ethics in Science

• Emphasizes the necessity for integrity and honesty in research endeavors.
• Recognizes the societal and environmental impacts of scientific work.
• Advocates for adherence to ethical standards and guidelines during experimentation and data reporting.

Explore the fundamental concepts of science, including its definition and various branches. This quiz covers the natural, social, formal, and applied sciences, along with the scientific method that underpins scientific inquiry. Test your knowledge about how science systematically builds and organizes our understanding of the world.